Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of basketball’s greatest players, has announced her retirement after 20 remarkable seasons. The Phoenix Mercury, the only WNBA team she ever played for, confirmed the decision, which came in an interview with Time magazine on Tuesday.
“I’m just full, mentally and physically,” Taurasi told Time. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
Known for her intense confidence and iconic hair bun, Taurasi became an inspiration to many players while setting numerous records and winning multiple championships.
Taurasi’s winning journey started at UConn, where she led the team to three consecutive national titles from 2001 to 2004. She was then selected by the Mercury as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft, and her winning ways continued.
“It’s hard to put into words what this means,” said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “You can’t define it with a quote. It’s a saga, the life of an extraordinary person who changed women’s basketball more than anyone who’s ever played the game.”
The 42-year-old Taurasi capped her career by winning her sixth Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Her WNBA career ends with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than second-place Tina Charles. Along with her three WNBA championships with the Mercury, Taurasi also won six Euroleague titles and was named the 2009 WNBA MVP.
Mercury owner Mat Ishbia praised Taurasi’s impact, saying, “Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game. She’s had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community, and the game of basketball.”
Taurasi’s career is full of impressive achievements. She was a 10-time all-WNBA first-team selection, an 11-time WNBA All-Star, and a four-time USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. She was also the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2004.
UConn’s Auriemma, who coached Taurasi, reflected on her legacy: “She transcends the sport and becomes synonymous with it. Diana is the greatest winner in basketball history.”
Taurasi holds numerous WNBA records, including most playoff points, field goals, and three-pointers, as well as 16 Mercury team records. Throughout her career, she averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
“She was a whole last problem,” said Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. “Our league is going to miss her.”
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